Off-the-Shelf Retrofit

With the incredible evolution of the retrofit world comes a wide array of talented people developing new businesses, from shops to large-scale conversion solution specialists. We aim to follow their progress as the EV retrofit world becomes progressively more mainstream. We start our discovery with Utah-based Hypercraft that’s developing turn-key EV drive systems—and then some.

In 2019, four powersports enthusiasts set out to discover what it would take to develop a no-compromises, fully electric powersports vehicle. After a six-month in-depth discovery exploring the feasibility, they found that to go to market, they would have to develop the complete EV drive system from the ground up. Even though they came from various backgrounds, each shared a passion for high-octane amusement—but knew that internal combustion was no longer the superior performance option when it came to powering their favorite fuel-burning ICEd-toys to their full potential. They are Jake Hawksworth, founder and chief executive officer; Isaac Hawksworth, co-founder; Jon Miller, co-founder and chief marketing officer; and Eric Ream, founder. The team had spent decades working with companies like Polaris Industries and Yamaha, so they definitely knew a thing or two about powersports.

Compared to developing a gas-powered vehicle, where anyone can purchase an engine off-the-shelf from various manufacturers, creating an electric version meant they had to go through the costly and time-consuming development of the drive system. Simply put, this EV project had no path to profitability due to the lack of complete, turn-key electric drive systems. But, then again, this meant there was potentially a need to fill and a market opportunity. So, even if the team had to concede defeat in the short term, they were now driven by a desire to solve this electric drive problem.

The team looked into other industries and quickly discovered that they were also facing similar challenges. Unfortunately, a large percentage of those EV projects had simply been canceled because of the incredibly high development costs. But it wasn’t just builders. They realized that since so few companies could effectively integrate EV drive products, many manufacturers were also struggling to achieve a meaningful return on investment.

With these new insights and a vision for what was possible, the team founded Hypercraft in early 2020, dedicating their focus to developing turn-key EV drive systems for the motorsports and powersports categories—finally, providing visionaries and innovators with an electric choice.

A Proven Solution

For more than a century, the world has benefited from various engine providers, multi-billion-dollar companies specializing in providing vehicle manufacturers, racing enthusiasts, and innovators with turn-key engine solutions. Hypercraft is not reinventing this successful formula but aims at being the first to create and provide the EV equivalent.

Hypercraft’s products solve current complexity hurdles, reduce time to market, and dramatically lower costs. This will give its customers a competitive advantage and ultimately provide e-mobility with a more streamlined path to profitability. In addition, all EV drive systems will be designed and developed in-house, allowing Hypercraft to offer off-the-shelf solutions to any company or industry looking for access to an electric powertrain option.

Based in Provo, Utah, Hypercraft offers complete electric drive systems for customers, from low- to medium-volume manufacturers to one-off garage projects and custom EV-builders. They can deliver power outputs ranging from 225kW/302hp and 500Nm/369lb-ft up to 496kW/665hp and 1,550Nm/1,144lb-ft.

Each of these standardized drive systems comes with a choice of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120kWh of batteries. Hypercraft battery packs are manufactured in-house from various battery technologies that best suit the needs of each project.

Every drive system is complete and includes all necessary components to power the motor to the output shaft: motor, battery, wiring, vehicle control unit, power distribution units, software, programming, UI display, and a variety of gear reduction options—in other words, what a “full-kit” should be and precisely what the market has been requesting for years.

Surprising Projects and Customers

Steadily growing and making a name for themselves outside the four-wheeled vehicle world, the Utah team has discovered their product answered several markets outside the car market. Some seemingly niche ones could, surprisingly, become as significant as the car conversion industry for the EV-retrofit world. Jake Hawksworth and his team are now providing the marine world with electric airboat packages for American Airboats, pontoon boats solutions for Halevai electric boats, and government and military OHV projects—but, Shhhh, it’s a secret!

However, the sport, and off-road market in particular, are still by far the company’s core business. It offers a wide range of applications, from an electric single-seat buggy for Sierra Cars, a resto-mod hot rod solution for mass production, an all-electric Unlimited Class race truck for Baja desert racing, several UTV drive systems for Ultra4 King of the Hammers off-road racing, a fleet conversions package, starting with the Ford F-150, and even an exciting factory chassis featuring EV power for classic vehicles. Stay tuned for that. We will certainly follow Hypercraft’s path as they grow and become a household name, sooner than we might expect.

Who would have thought that a lack of readily available electric propulsion would bring this team to start such a significant enterprise? If you have an idea, and it fulfills others’ needs, then now is the time to start. Sometimes all it takes is a meeting with like-minded, laser-focused, and passionate people to bring a dream to fruition.

Hypercraft’s Main Product Markets

OHV: Off-Highway Vehicles represent a significant portion of the recreational vehicle market. Electric provides a reduction in noise pollution, air pollution, and performance improvements for an industry that gives people access to the areas of the planet we want to protect the most. Industry segments include UTV, ATV, SxS, snowmobile, and snowbike. There are also many military and government applications that will benefit from electric technology.

 Small Engine:  The small engine vertical comprises light e-mobility, recreation, agricultural, and industrial-product segments. This would include portable drives, lawn and garden tools, portable water pumps, go-karts, etc.

 Racing and Innovation:  Hypercraft’s hub is the vertical where electric viability and performance are proven. It’s a no-holds-barred proving ground for EV technology as a whole and Hypercraft drive systems in particular. If you can win in racing, you can win anywhere.

 Marine:  Similar to OHV, the marine industry is eager to adopt cleaner air and reduced noise benefits. Hypercraft EV Drives will allow new and existing manufactures to quickly convert their existing products. Segments include inboard, outboard, stern drive, sailboats, and airboats.

 Aviation:  Aviation is one of the most exciting future growth industries. Hypercraft works to create a strong aviation foundation by providing creative and innovative companies with solutions that power new types of air transportation. Hypercraft focuses on the segments of light and experimental aircraft, drones, and new forms of personal air transportation.

 Motorcycle:  The motorcycle industry is poised for high growth and quick conversion to electric propulsion. Infrastructure improvements that support electric charging will provide the motorcycle industry with an increased interest in electric. Hypercraft will give an option for many existing manufacturers, as well as new manufacturers, to bring electric motorcycles to market.